Film body demands pre-release screening as Ghooskhor Pundit producers agree to name change
After widespread protest over the title of Neeraj Pandey’s film Ghooshkhor Pandit, the producers have agreed to change the name. However, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) is demanding a special screening for the concerned community before the release of the film.
Protests and legal action have intensified over Neeraj Pandey’s upcoming film, originally titled Ghooskhor Pandat. The controversy began when Brahmin community groups and political leaders raised strong objections and called for a ban on the Manoj Bajpayee-led project. The uproar prompted the producers to change the name of the film. However, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) seems dissatisfied with the decision.
Amid growing opposition, the producers informed the Delhi High Court that the film would be released under a new title. During the hearing, representatives of the producers said that they had taken a “conscious decision” to change the title of the film in view of the concerns raised. The court later disposed of the petition after informing that the complaint was limited to the original title.
FWICE has demanded pre-screening of the film
However, FWICE has said that merely changing the title does not address their concerns. FWICE President BN Tiwari told India Today, “It was wise of the producers to decide to change the title, and also removed all promotional material. However, is this enough? Absolutely not. Any group that has objections to the title of the film or feels targeted should have the right to watch it before its release. This should set an example, must become one for all (Became a lesson learned) for filmmakers to be more sensitive towards caste and religion. If the film producers do not agree, we will launch a non-cooperation movement against them. While the film will be banned, no one will be allowed to work with Neeraj Pandey and Manoj Bajpayee.
He also said that the title of the film was also not registered, as India Today has already reported. Tiwari said, “There is no censorship on OTT, but you have to respect how the industry works. It seems to be a sly attempt to sensationalize the film. I think if they had registered the title, they would have been warned and this controversy would not have arisen. Playing with human emotions is wrong and filmmakers need to be more aware.”
Earlier, FWICE had demanded a ban on the release of the film. The organization expressed ‘serious concern’ over the title of the film, saying it appeared to target a particular community and its traditional means of livelihood.
Why did FWICE demand a ban on bribery pundit?
According to FWICE, the title has the potential to hurt sentiments, create misunderstanding and disturb social harmony. The Mahasangh stressed that there should be no division in society on the basis of caste, creed, religion or profession, and said that all professions deserve equal dignity and respect.
“The film industry, being a powerful medium of expression, bears the moral and social responsibility to ensure that its content and titles do not promote hatred, disrespect or unrest among citizens,” the statement said.
Why did the controversy regarding bribery pundit start?
The trouble started when ‘Ghukhor Pandit’Its first look and teaser were released at an event on 3 February. The controversy surrounding the Netflix film, starring Manoj Bajpayee in the lead role, stems from its title, which many find derogatory towards the Brahmin community. title connects the word bribe taker (meaning corrupt or taking bribe) with Pandit (variant form in colloquial language). Pandit), and many called the pairing insulting and an attack on the dignity of the ‘Pandit community’.
